American Association Daily Recap: May 16, 2019
In American Association Daily, Robert Pannier recaps the days events for May 16 in the American Association including the Milwaukee Milkmen winning their first ever game in franchise history. Plus, the latest transactions from around the league plus news and notes.
Milwaukee Milkmen Down Saints in Opening Contest
The Milwaukee Milkmen opened the 2019 season with their first game against the St. Paul Saints, the 2018 North Division champs. If the Milkmen were intimidated by the surroundings it sure did not appear so, as they scored four runs in the first against Saints ace Eddie Medina. Yet, St. Paul would battle back to tie the score, sending the contest into extra-innings, where Milwaukee would win in the 13th. Cesar Valera got the rally started with a base hit and moved to second on a wild pitch. Garrett Copeland attempted to move him to third on a sacrifice, but the ball was misplayed, allowing Copeland to reach. After Dan Ward loaded the bases on an infield single, Valera scored on the third hit of the game for Nolan Earley. Michael Scimanico earned the win with two shutout innings of relief.
Read Sean Aronson’s Full Recap
Dean Green Bomb Gives Explorers Opening Day Win
The Sioux City Explorers picked up where they left off in 2018 – winning. The team that won 71 games last season, opened the season with a 6-2 victory over the Lincoln Saltdogs. The Explorers would put a run up in the third and two in the fourth, but the big blow came on a three-run homer by Dean Green to make it 6-0. Luke Bonfield added a two-run double in the fourth. Jason Garcia allowed one run in 5.2 innings pitched for the victory.
Jesus Sanchez Stymies Canaries in 7-2 Railroaders Win
There was a lot of hype surrounding the 2019 Cleburne Railroaders with former Wichita Wingnuts GM Josh Robertson joining the club. If the results of Game 1 are any indication, fans in Cleburne are going to have a lot to be excited about. A six run fourth inning gave the Railroaders a decisive lead and Jesus Sanchez tossed seven innings of shutout ball in the 7-2 victory. Zach Nehrir and KC Huth each had 2 RBI for Cleburne.
Read Denning Gerig’s Full Recap
Goldeyes Open Season with Extra Inning Victory
The Winnipeg Goldeyes have always enjoyed the benefits of having former Major Leaguer Reggie Abercrombie on the team, but now they can see the great benefits of having two on their roster. That was on display on Thursday night when former Chicago White Sox outfielder Willy Garcia drove in the go-ahead run in a two run 10th inning as the Winnipeg Goldeyes downed the Texas AirHogs 3-1. Kevin McGovern looked in 2017 form, allowing just 2 hits and a run in 7 innings of work. Marcus Crescentini earned the win in his first appearance for Winnipeg, and Victor Capellan earned his first save of the season.
Read Steve Schuster’s Full Recap
American Association Notes
If you are planning a trip to St. Paul to watch your team, you will want to check out the City of Baseball museum located on the concourse down the left field line. Admission comes with the price of a ticket…The Sioux Falls Canaries announced that they had signed RHP Ryan Flores. Visa problems appeared to be holding up his ability to join the team, but that was resolved in time for him to be on the roster for opening night…Four teams had the first night of the season off. The Kansas City T-Bones will unveil their championship banner on Friday when they take on the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks.
American Association Transactions for May 16
Lincoln: Signed RHP Austin Pettibone
St. Paul: Signed RHP Dustin Crenshaw
Sioux Falls: Signed RHP Ryan Flores
By Robert Pannier
